Tries give Ireland eight-point lead at break

Italy 12 Ireland 20

Girvan Dempsey, Simon Easterby and Gordon D’Arcy ran in tries as Ireland took a narrow lead at half time of their RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy.

D’Arcy’s try was shrouded in controversy, however, with the Leinster centre receiving a clear forward pass from Denis Hickie before scoring.

The boot of Ramiro Pez kept Italy in touch with the Bayonne fly-half slotting two penalties and two drop goals.